Glenroy Sinclair, Staff Reporter
FOR MOST of Saturday, Police Commissioner Lucius Thomas forgot about the stress of his job and led a treat for more than 3,500 children from inner-city communities. The occasion was the Police Commissioner's annual Christmas treat, held at the Police Officer's Club in Kingston.
Dressed in a grey outfit, Commissioner Thomas was seen lifting containers filled with soft drinks for the children, some of whom came from crime-prone communities such such as Maxfield Avenue, 'Dunkirk' in East Kingston, Olympic Gardens, Waltham Park Road and Central Kingston.
COMMISSIONER SATISFIED
Speaking with The Gleaner yesterday, Commissioner Thomas said he got a lot of satisfaction acting as host to the children.
"Some of them came to meet me personally. It was one of the greatest days of my life," said Mr. Thomas.
He said it was also an opportunity for the police to demonstrate to the children that their job was not only to arrest people, but to show love and affection. Apart from helping to serve food and refreshment, the Commissioner was asked to hand out the gift-wrapped toys to children.
He had high praises for members of the private sector who assisted with this year's treat. He plans to tour all the police divisions in the Corporate Area, before Christmas, to speak personally with the men and women attached to these police stations.
"I just want to tell them how much I appreciate the work that they have done this year and thank them for the support," he said.
